According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), schizophrenia is defined as "a complex mental disorder that makes it difficult to 1) tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, 2) think logically, and 3) have normal emotional responses, among other symptoms. A lot of the times, an individual that is genetically more prone to developing schizophrenia will have had long term exposure and mishandling of stress and emotional instability, and certain life events would actually trigger the onset of schizophrenic symptoms.
It is believed that schizophrenia is actually life-long, and symptoms can only be suppressed (not cured) via medication to control the brain chemical composition/distribution.
I, being a food scientist, can only offer a few dietary suggestions for schizophrenic patients to follow. Keep in mind, that I am not a registered dietitian, nor a psychiatrist. I am only providing some of my thoughts after years of formal training in food science and nutrition, to alleviate some high potential side effects that may bring about by long term medication.
It is almost common sense that metabolism of every chemical compounds (including pharmaceuticals) takes place in the liver, mainly by Cyt P450 via Stage 1 and Stage 2 metabolism. It is also known that most patients who received constant medication (regardless of symptoms) will very likely to develop organ damage primarily in the liver, and sometimes the kidney. To relate a personal experience, my grandma had suffered severe Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia before she died. Consequential of the daily medication that she consumed, she also developed stones in her gallbladder. The symptoms were so intense, as a matter of fact, she died due to complications and pain caused by the gall stone (and not schizophrenia).
Coming back to our discussion here, so to "protect" your organs, mainly the liver, I would suggest that patients consume Vitamin B complex (B1, B2, etc. ). Vitamin B complex is known widely to enhance the immune and nervous system, and works as a "natural" tranquilizer, among some of the health benefits. To aid in the tranquilizing effects synergistically, I would suggest that patients also consume foods rich in/supplements serving calcium and magnesium. These two macrominerals are essential key players in aiding in the parasympathetic nervous system (i.e. peristalsis in the gut, salivation, palpitation). So they will absolutely aid in relieving the symptoms. Also, Vitamins C and E, and other antioxidative phenolics to help in counteracting the oxidative effects in the body.
Selective diet is also very important. I would suggest that patients increase their fruits and vegetables intake as an overall. Mild exercise and relaxation practices (i.e. Taichi, yoga) will definitely improve both the patients' mental and physical abilities.
But the most important players here are the family members. Love makes everything turn okay. :)
